Podcast Summary
1934 West Coast longshoreman strike: The 1934 West Coast longshoreman strike lasted 83 days and resulted in the unionization of all West Coast ports in the US, causing a significant halt in commercial activity.
The 1934 West Coast longshoreman strike, which lasted 83 days and began on May 9, 1934, was a significant event in American labor history. The strike, which involved all U.S. West Coast ports and was organized by the International Longshoreman's Association, reached its peak on July 16th when two workers were killed during the subsequent San Francisco General Strike, leading to a four-day halt in all work in the major port city. The strike ultimately resulted in the unionization of all West Coast ports in the United States. During the strike, there was a noticeable quiet in the commercial activity, with no wheels moving or levers budging. The Labor Radio Podcast daily, which covers labor arts news and events, reported on these historical events and can be found at LaborHeritage.org. The podcast is supported by Union Plus and more information can be found at unionplus.org.